French Phrase
Que faire si on se fait cambrioler ?
Meaning
Literally: 'What to do if one gets burgled?' It is a practical question asking for advice or steps to take after discovering a burglary. The phrase is neutral and can be used in both informal conversation and more formal advice columns.
When to use
Use this sentence when you (or someone you’re speaking with) have just discovered a break‑in and need to know the next steps—calling the police, securing the premises, dealing with insurance, etc. It works well in advice‑giving contexts, emergency‑prep lessons, or role‑play scenarios.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quefairesionsefaitcambrioler?
Que + infinitif
After 'que' to ask 'what to do', French uses the infinitive verb directly (e.g., 'Que faire?').
Si + indicative
The conditional clause introduced by 'si' uses the present indicative because it refers to a real possibility.
Pronominal passive: se faire + infinitif
The construction 'se faire + infinitif' expresses that something happens to the subject, similar to English passive ('to get robbed').
Verb 'cambrioler'
A regular -er verb meaning 'to burglarize' or 'to break into a house'. In the pronominal form it means 'to be burglarized'.
Subject pronoun 'on'
Informal indefinite pronoun meaning 'one', 'people', or 'we' in everyday speech.
🗨In Conversation
Je viens de découvrir que ma porte a été forcée. Que faire si on se fait cambrioler ?
I just found out my door was forced open. What should I do if we get burgled?
D'abord, appelez le 17 immédiatement, puis ne touchez à rien pour ne pas contaminer les preuves.
First, call 17 right away, then don’t touch anything so you don’t contaminate the evidence.
✕Common Mistakes
Je me fais cambrioler la maison.
Avoid using 'se faire cambrioler' with a direct object; the correct construction is the pronominal passive as shown.
cambrioler
The verb is spelled with one 'l' and one 'r' (cambrioler).
Que faire si on se ferait cambrioler ?
Do not use the conditional 'si on se ferait cambrioler' here; the present indicative is standard for real possibilities.
↔Alternatives
Que faire en cas de cambriolage ?
What to do in case of a burglary?
Quelles sont les démarches à suivre après un cambriolage ?
What steps should be taken after a burglary?
Comment réagir si on se fait cambrioler ?
How to react if you get burgled?
Cultural Tip
In France, the emergency number for police is 17 (or 112 for all services). After a burglary, the police will ask you not to move anything and will send a forensic team to collect fingerprints. It’s also common to call your insurance company within 48 hours. Knowing this phrase helps you sound prepared and confident in a stressful situation.